| From
the Sept 22, 2005, edition of 'Northwest News' Newsletter.
by Dana Ternus
Members of the
"Green and White Courier" staff edit copy circa 1914,
the year the paper was founded. The "Courier" is the
immediate predecessor of today's "Northwest Missourian.
Student news publications such as the “Northwest
Missourian” have long been an integral part of university
life. For nearly 100 years, campus newspapers and magazines have
covered campus events, published items of interest and created
opportunities for student expression.
The first student publication at Northwest,
“May Morning News” appeared in May, 1908. It was sponsored
by the Young Women’s Christian Association and was meant
to serve as both a newspaper and magazine focusing on student
life.
“May Morning News” was soon replaced by the “Normal
Index,” the first issue of which appeared in February, 1910.
The purpose of the “Index” was to publish “items
of interest pertaining to the school life,” which included
the news and also student literary compositions, such as poems
and essays. Though popular, the paper ceased publication in 1911.
The true predecessor of today’s “Northwest
Missourian” was the “Green and White Courier,”
which appeared in November, 1914, and grew substantially over
the next few years. The publication was soon incorporated into
the newly organized journalism course taught by Beatrix Winn.
Among other features, “The Courier”
introduced the “Office Cat” and “The Lady in
the Upstairs Window,” each precursors of today’s “Stroller.”
“The Office Cat” first appeared
in 1917, and its allegedly feline author introduced itself with
the words, “I am the Office Cat. I live in the Courier Staff
Room; I awaken from my disturbed slumbers to voice my sentiments
concerning some facts connected with the state educational institution
of Northwest Missouri.”
While the “Cat” concentrated on various campus happenings,
the “Lady” largely reported on the comings and goings
of students and faculty.
By 1924, the “Courier” had become
a full-fledged student newspaper, and, in 1926, its name was changed
to the “Northwest Missourian.” Today the paper frequently
wins national awards for journalistic excellence, and its staff
members often go on to successful careers in journalism following
graduation.
While times have changed, the “Northwest
Missourian” has remained a constant of campus life for nearly
eight decades. It will doubtless continue keeping the University
community informed for many years to come.
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